Cadets
Cadet Oath"I pledge that I will serve faithfully in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program and that I will attend meetings regularly, participate actively in unit activities, obey my officers, wear my uniform properly, and advance my education and training rapidly to prepare myself to be of service to my community, state, and nation."
Oath of Enlistment (all branches, not National Guard): "I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."
USAF Oath of Office: I, (Full Name) having been appointed a (Rank) in the United States Air Force, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter, SO HELP ME GOD.
Available Opportunities
The cadet program allows cadets to acquire values, skills, and experience in a variety of fields.
Values
| Integrity | Respect |
| Excellence | Discipline |
| Volunteer Service | Confidence |
| Followership | Effective Studying | Creative Analysis |
| Leadership | Stress Management | Real-World Problem Solving |
| Teamwork | Teaching | Physical Fitness Habits |
| Listening | Public Speaking | |
| Communication | Abstract Thinking |
| Aerospace Science | Powered Flight | Pararescue | Aircraft Manufacturing |
| Wilderness Survival | Glider | Piloting | Aircraft Maintenance |
| Field Medicine | Meteorology | Airline Career | Space Command |
Uniform
Where to Get Uniforms
Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES)
At BXs: Must present current CAP ID card (and possibly photo ID)
Mail-Order: Form 4150-134
Phone Order: By credit card, uniform items only. Call AAFES Customer
Service at 1-800-527-2345 and provide a copy of your membership card to
enter the AAFES system.
Excess/Surplus Sources
Free, check with Squadron Supply (Logistics Officer) before purchasing uniform parts.
Free Cadet Basic Short-Sleeve Blues Uniform (Class Bs)
Uniform Manual (PDF File)
Gorilla Guide (Word Doc)
Squadron Provides
Slacks
Navy blue
Shirt
Light blue
Short-sleeve
Belt
Military style
Navy blue
Buckle
Silver tip
Closed-face
Devices, etc
Enlisted flight cap
All ribbons ($0.60)
Ribbon holders
Grade insignia
CAP device
Cookie (device on enlisted/flight cap, officers wear grade)
Not Included
Shoes
Black
Patent leather
Oxfords
Plain
Round toe
Socks
Black or blue
Plain
Devices
Nameplate
Backing for devices
Note: Trouser measurements are for the waist only, all trousers are shipped "extra long"; hemming will most likely be necessary.
Basic BDUs (Battle Dress Uniform, Class Cs)
Squadron Provided
Cover ($6)
SAR Orange
Embroidered Black "1008"
Ranger crease
Grade Insignia
Not Included
T-Shirt
Non-Staff: Tan
Staff: Orange
No military creases
Blouse
Long Sleeve
Woodland green rip-stop cotton camouflage
Single-breasted, four bellow pockets with flaps
Side body panels (take-up tabs optional), straight-cut bottom sleeve tabs
Trousers
Woodland green rip-stop cotton camouflage
Front button closure, strap ankle adjustment
Six pockets
Belt
Dark blue
1 1/4" wide
Woven cotton web
Solid or woven elastic
Black metal tip
Buckle
Black
Open-faced
Combat Boots
Black
Smooth or scotch-grained leather or man-made material
High gloss or patent finish
Plain rounded or caped rounded toe
Safety toe, zipper or elastic inserts, and perforated seam optional
Plain black socks
Tips
Shirt and Slacks
Crease precisely, always in the same exact place
Dry clean or liquid starch only as needed
Touch up with spray starch
Hang-up correctly (trousers on trouser hangers with clips)
Cut and melt the non-tipped edge of the belt to size (tip should line extend just past buckle)
Devices
Center insignia and CAP device parallel to the collar and 1" above the edge Measure 1" on your hand (usually around 2 fingers) to quickly place insignia
Shoes and Botos
Maintain spit shine
Use waxed black dress laces (for dress shoes, not combat boots)
Tuck laces securely into shoes
Common Problems
Gig line: inside of the vertical buttonhole edge, outside edge of the belt
buckle, fly of slacks. Check as close to uniform inspection as possible and
minimize movement.
Creases: dry clean and/or liquid starch, heavily steam, then spray starch the
entire area much more than you think is necessary. Iron until completely
dry; repeat. Crease should look like one layer of fabric with a knife edge.
Clean iron regularly.
Measurements: measure nameplate, CAP device, and ribbon placement
exactly. When possible, touch-up iron around devices on shirt. Do not
iron over devices or buttons.
Iron problems: clean iron regularly to avoid starch buildup. Constantly move
iron in regular pattern; never hold it still. The shirt material is much
easier to crease than slacks. Iron any wrinkles out prior to creasing.
Dirty: keep protected from dust/pet hair/etc at all possible times.
Tips for Women
Shirts traditionally button opposite from men's
Enlisted covers are open at the top
Enlisted covers are not folded before slipped under belt (to store)
Shoes are significantly inferior to men's; buy men's shoes
Chain of Command
Where to Get Uniforms
Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES)
At BXs: Must present current CAP ID card (and possibly photo ID)
Mail-Order: Form 4150-134
Phone Order: By credit card, uniform items only. Call AAFES Customer
Service at 1-800-527-2345 and provide a copy of your membership card to
enter the AAFES system.
Excess/Surplus Sources
Free, check with Squadron Supply (Logistics Officer) before purchasing uniform parts.
Free Cadet Basic Short-Sleeve Blues Uniform (Class Bs)
Uniform Manual (PDF File)
Gorilla Guide (Word Doc)
Squadron Provides
Slacks
Navy blue
Shirt
Light blue
Short-sleeve
Belt
Military style
Navy blue
Buckle
Silver tip
Closed-face
Devices, etc
Enlisted flight cap
All ribbons ($0.60)
Ribbon holders
Grade insignia
CAP device
Cookie (device on enlisted/flight cap, officers wear grade)
Not Included
Shoes
Black
Patent leather
Oxfords
Plain
Round toe
Socks
Black or blue
Plain
Devices
Nameplate
Backing for devices
Note: Trouser measurements are for the waist only, all trousers are shipped "extra long"; hemming will most likely be necessary.
Basic BDUs (Battle Dress Uniform, Class Cs)
Squadron Provided
Cover ($6)
SAR Orange
Embroidered Black "1008"
Ranger crease
Grade Insignia
Not Included
T-Shirt
Non-Staff: Tan
Staff: Orange
No military creases
Blouse
Long Sleeve
Woodland green rip-stop cotton camouflage
Single-breasted, four bellow pockets with flaps
Side body panels (take-up tabs optional), straight-cut bottom sleeve tabs
Trousers
Woodland green rip-stop cotton camouflage
Front button closure, strap ankle adjustment
Six pockets
Belt
Dark blue
1 1/4" wide
Woven cotton web
Solid or woven elastic
Black metal tip
Buckle
Black
Open-faced
Combat Boots
Black
Smooth or scotch-grained leather or man-made material
High gloss or patent finish
Plain rounded or caped rounded toe
Safety toe, zipper or elastic inserts, and perforated seam optional
Plain black socks
Tips
Shirt and Slacks
Crease precisely, always in the same exact place
Dry clean or liquid starch only as needed
Touch up with spray starch
Hang-up correctly (trousers on trouser hangers with clips)
Cut and melt the non-tipped edge of the belt to size (tip should line extend just past buckle)
Devices
Center insignia and CAP device parallel to the collar and 1" above the edge Measure 1" on your hand (usually around 2 fingers) to quickly place insignia
Shoes and Botos
Maintain spit shine
Use waxed black dress laces (for dress shoes, not combat boots)
Tuck laces securely into shoes
Common Problems
Gig line: inside of the vertical buttonhole edge, outside edge of the belt
buckle, fly of slacks. Check as close to uniform inspection as possible and
minimize movement.
Creases: dry clean and/or liquid starch, heavily steam, then spray starch the
entire area much more than you think is necessary. Iron until completely
dry; repeat. Crease should look like one layer of fabric with a knife edge.
Clean iron regularly.
Measurements: measure nameplate, CAP device, and ribbon placement
exactly. When possible, touch-up iron around devices on shirt. Do not
iron over devices or buttons.
Iron problems: clean iron regularly to avoid starch buildup. Constantly move
iron in regular pattern; never hold it still. The shirt material is much
easier to crease than slacks. Iron any wrinkles out prior to creasing.
Dirty: keep protected from dust/pet hair/etc at all possible times.
Tips for Women
Shirts traditionally button opposite from men's
Enlisted covers are open at the top
Enlisted covers are not folded before slipped under belt (to store)
Shoes are significantly inferior to men's; buy men's shoes
Chain of Command
Though the commander resides at the top of the chain, it's the other echelon that are usually in direct control of their subordinates, allowing the commander to preform other duties. For instance, cadet support staff report to the cadet executive officer.
Cadet Echelon Staff
Cadet Commander
Cadet Deputy Commander
Cadet Executive Officer
Cadet Flight Staff
Alpha Flight Commander
Bravo, Charlie, etc
Alpha Flight Sergeant
1st Element Leader
2nd Element Leader
3rd, 4th, etc
Cadet Support Staff (include)
Cadet Recruiting/Retention Officer
Cadet Public Affairs Officer
Cadet Administration Officer
Cadet Inspection Officer
Cadet Supply Officer
The NCO Support Channel
The NCO support channel consists of the first sergeant, flight sergeants, and element leaders. At official "staff meetings", they discuss orders and their personnel's reactions to them. The propose solutions to minor issues and control routine but important actions.
The first sergeant and the cadet commander communicate directly to discuss orders and and the unit's reaction to them. The cadet commander may change his/her orders based on the information the first sergeant receives from the support channel.
The first sergeant learns the orders and reasons behind them from the cadet commander and transmits this information at the staff meetings to the support channel. He/She predicts minor problems and explains the cadet commander's orders to the support channel.
Promotion Requirements
Cadets must pass several tests and participate actively in unit activities in order to be promoted.
Each promotion requires a test of the cadet's leadership skills required to preform efficiently in their next grade. Most of these exams consist of multiple choice questions and also cover primary source special readings. Some promotions require a drill and/or ceremonies practical, essay and/or a comprehensive exam. These studies are divided into two volumes (enlisted and officer), and subdivided into chapters; most promotions require at least one or two chapters.
For most grades, cadets must also take one or two exams an aerospace module, which can be studied in any order. Some promotions require a comprehensive exam, speech, and/or one or more mentor- or instructor-ships.
Every promotion requires a test of the cadet's physical fitness, with standards increasing between each subdivision of grades (airmen, junior NCOs, senior NCOs, field commissioned officers, company commissioned officers, and a seperate standard for highest, C/Col).
Cadets must participate actively in unit activities by serving at least one non-meeting CAP event and attending at least one moral leadership lecture for each grade.
Some promotions also require cadets to preform other deeds, including completing forms, writing reports, attending various schools, SDA staff service, and/or writing a moral leadership essay (C/Col).
Leadership Topics
Volume I Communications Drill and Ceremonies The Role of the Noncommissioned Officer Leadership Traits | Volume II Officership Management Communications Conflict Management Problem Solving Counseling |
Drill and Ceremonies (Volume I, Chapters 1-5 of 7)
Air Force Drill and Ceremonies Manual
Civil Air Patrol Drill and Ceremonies Resource Page
Chapter 1
Stationary Drill Commands
| Attention | Parade Rest | Eyes Right |
| Hand Salute | At East | Ready Front |
| Present Arms | About Face | |
| Order Arms | Right (Left) Face |
| Forward March | Half Step | To the Rear |
| Quick Time | Halt | Right (Left) Flank |
| Mark Time | Right (Left) Step | Route Step |
Assembling a Flight Drill Commands
| Fall In | Count Off |
| Dress Right Dress | Open Ranks |
| At Close Interval, Dress Right Dress | Close Ranks |
| Dress and Cover | Dismissed |
| Forward March | Close March |
| Column Right (Left) | Extend March |
| Column Half Right (Left) |
Modifying the Flight Drill Commands
| Forward March | Close March |
| Column Right (Left) | Extend March |
| Column Half Right (Left) |
Review of Flight Drill Commands
| Fall In |
| Prepare for Inspection |
| Facings, Flanks, Columns |
| Column of Files |
Basic Ceremonies
| Retreat |
| Reveille |
Special Readings
Chapter 1
Oath of Enlistment in the U.S. Air Force
The U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Honor Code
Biography: Major General John F. Curry
[No source cited]
Chapter 2
"My Creed"
From Contrails, Vol 33, p 198, United States Air Force Academy by Dean Alfonge
Biography: General "Hap" Arnold
[No sources cited]
Chapter 3
"Are You a Boss or a Leader?"
From Command Review, Vol. 1, No. 3 Creed of the Non-Commissioned Officer
"Tenets of Leadership"
By General Robert D. Russ from Air War College, Resident and Associate Studies
Biography: Mary Feik
From Feik family sources and Maryland Aloft: A Celebration of Aviators, Airfields,
and Airspace by Edmund Preston, Barry A. Lanman, and John R. Breihan
Biography: "Wilbur & Orville Write"
From Asimov's Biographical Encyclopedia of Science and Technology by Isaac Asimov
Chapter 4
"USAF Academy Duty Concept"
From Contrails, Vol 3, United States Air Force Academy by Major Larry A. Smith
Biography: "Eddie Rickenbacker"
From Webster's American Military Biographies
Biography: Bessie Colman
[No sources cited]
Chapter 5
Biography: Charles A. Lindbergh
[No sources cited]
Biography: Jacqueline Cochran
[No sources cited]
The Reason for Leadership
Adapted for CAP from ECI Course 0008C, USAF Senior NCO Academy
Chapter 6
Biography: "Gen. Douglas MacArthur"
Ffrom Webster's American Military Biographies
Lt Gen Jimmy Doolittle
[No sources cited]
Chapter 7
"Some Thoughts on Leadership"
By Richard Lester
"Dr. Robert H. Goddard"
From Asimov's